Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
...if for the 72 minutes of Chopin alone, a must have, November 13, 2006
MSR have used the original Masters of the actual recording sessions for their superb remastering of the performances on these discs, bringing out a richness and depth of tonality and `presence' seldom heard in monophonic recordings. In fact, using a DVD/CD player through a surround sound home cinema system, with the music hovering above the speakers, I was oblivious to the fact it was mono. Perhaps it was some close proximity of the microphone when recording, but there is an intimacy in the listening experience, as if Pennario has pulled up a chair to your living room piano (albeit a Steinway!), and we are privy.
From more than 66 albums and CDs, Pennario fans have long known. To a new generation becoming acquainted with his artistry: a reviewer of his 1952 UK debut wrote, (with to my mind typical British reserve and understatement), "Nobody plays better than Pennario". His staggering technical virtuosity underpins his interpretation of every work, from the supreme nostalgic lyricism of the complete Chopin Waltzes, the lyrical dynamism of the Heroic Polonaise, (both included in this set), or as in other CD releases, the ominous, brooding dynamism of his Tchaikovsky No.1, and the downright seamy raunchiness of his definitive Rhapsody in Blue.
To date, there has been a paucity of commercial release of his solo piano repertoire on CD. These discs provide a sample of his repertoire of Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Debussy, Ravel and more. Hopefully this 4 disc set heralds that further releases can be eagerly anticipated.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Treasure! Buy It While You Can!, April 22, 2008
Allow me to add my own twocentsworth to the fine reviews already posted. I bought this set in particular because I have always loved Pennario's old Capitol recording of the complete Chopin waltzes, and this is the only time, to my knowledge, they have been released on CD. I have at least a half dozen other pianists' versions of the waltzes (as well as an LP of a later Pennario recording), but the recordings included on Disc 1 of this set always were extra-special: perfect performances, subtle and deep, the most three-dimensional of any recording of these works. Pennario combines a perfect sense of proportion with an unerring feel for rubato and, well, the shapes-- aural shapes!-- of the music. Surely Pennario is one of the greatest pianists of the last hundred years, and it is only a pity so much of his work is not available. The entire contents of the Capitol waltz LP are on disc 1 along with a fine version of the Military Polonnaise, as well as a version of the Sonata in B Minor that is second to none-- Pennario's rendition of the funeral march is splendid. I would have paid the price just for this disc alone, but look what else you get! One of the finest interpretations of the original piano version of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition -- including what might be called the "Lost Promenade", the "Promenade" between Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle and the Market at Limoges, which was never orchestrated by Ravel and is left out of almost every other recording of the piano suite. There is music by Bartok and Liszt and so much more.... all I can say is, snap it up when you can find it, because it will almost surely be out of print sooner than later! Recall that there was a wonderful budget release of Pennario's splendid rendition of Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto, with Erich Leinsdorf (coupled with Leinsdorf's magisterial Pathetique Symphony), now long out of print also, alas! This is a magnificent bargain and a rarity you will want for your collection!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Some justice at last!, July 12, 2007
Leonard Pennario was truly one of the great American pianists of the 20th Century. Unfortunately, we Americans tend to be very hard on our own artists, particularly in the music field. Those in charge of serious music in the country always look to Europe first for musicians. Why? There seems to be a myth that Europeans are better at making music than Americans. Why are most of our top symphony orchestras conducted by foreigners? There is no good reason except a misguided mystique on the part of those who run such matters. Leonard Pennario was one of those who has slipped off the radar screen because of such short-sightedness.
Pennario made numerous recordings and personal appearances in his prime. I had the good fortune to attend several of his concerts. He was magnificent. His recordings were always full of life and have a zest which is rarely matched except by someone like his fellow American pianist, Earl Wild.
This album is partial justice to the great art of this fine man. MSR is to be complimented for the wonderful compilation of Pennario's early recordings. They belong in the recorded library of everyone who loves piano music. The technical quality of these gems is as superb as the superlative artistry portrayed by Mr. Pennario.
Let us hope that this is just the beginning of more to come.
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